Things to know when shipping small electronics to Israel

All International shipping to Israel must be cleared through Customs in the destination country prior to being delivered to the recipient. 

Import duty and taxes are due when importing goods into Israel whether by a private individual or a commercial entity. 

The valuation method is CIF (cost, insurance and freight), which means that the import duty and taxes payable are calculated on the complete shipping value, which includes the cost of the imported goods, the cost of freight, and the cost of insurance. 

In addition to duty, imports are also subject to sales tax, purchase tax, and import port fee.

Import taxes must be paid on all large personal property shipments, and packages will be held at customs. 

To release these packages from customs, you must bring a valid passport or visa and proof of residency (like apartment contract).

For relocation to Israel, you may bring large appliances to Israel, typically one of each type of appliance (e.g. one refrigerator, one washing machine, etc). 

You can also bring smaller appliances such as blenders, coffee makers and computers. 

The Israel tax authority has a complete list of taxes and restrictions on personal goods.

If you bring electronics to Israel, you might need to buy electrical plugs. 

Israel has a unique electrical plug, but plugs from continental Europe can be used in Israel with a little difficulty. 

Israel’s electricity runs between 220-240 volts. 

You may also need to purchase an adapter for high-energy electronics like hair-dryers.

Computers and laptops will work in Israel as they are 110/220 capable. 

You will need to either replace the cable or use an adapter to switch the plug. 

With desktop systems, be sure to switch the power supply to 220-240 before you bring it to Israel. 

GPS in Israel will cost at least twice the cost of one purchased. 

If you have a GPS unit, you may be able to purchase additional maps for it. 

If you have a smartphone, there are GPS applications that have Israel maps. 

Cell phones must be unlocked Quad Band-GSM so that they work in Israel. 

CDMA based phones (phones without a SIM card) will not work here. 

Televisions that are capable of working on 220V will work. 

The best option would be to purchase a multi-system unit so you can watch PAL (TV, Israel DVD, Israel VHS) and NTSC (VHD’s and DVD) on your television.

Sales tax

VAT is levied on imports at a standard rate of 17%, calculated on the sum of the CIF value, applicable duty, purchase tax and import port fee (if applicable).